Review on Nidana (Etiology) of Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis)

Amavata is more similar to Rheumatoid arthritis on the basis of its clinical manifestation and pathogenesis.AcharyaMadhavakar mentioned first Amavataas a special disease entity in his famous treatise MadhavaNidanam. Ama (biotoxin) and Vata (biophysical force or kinetics) are plaing an important role in the samprapti (pathogenesis) of Amavata(Rheumatoid arthritis). The term Nidana means cause or etiology of the disease.Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) is a multifactorial disease. In Amavata, mainly sandhishula (joint pain), sandhisotha (joint swelling) and sandhigraha (stiffness of joint) lead to the restricted movements of the joints and patients become crippled gradually due to vitiation of Vata with Ama. In MadhavaNidanametiology or Nidana of Amavata(Rheumatoid arthritis) is vividly mentioned.Viruddhahara (Unwholesome Diet), Viruddhacheshta (Erroneous Habits), Mandagni (Diminished Agni), Nishchalata (Sedentary Life), Exertion immediately after taking SnigdhaAhara are specific etiological factors or Nidanas for Ama formation,Vatadosha vitiation and ultimately produce Amavata (Rheumatoid arthritis) manifestation.